Chicago Bears Offense Collapses in 31-24 Loss to Panthers

Oct 5, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

I probably shouldn’t be writing a rapid reaction post after the Chicago Bears 31-24 loss to the Carolina Panthers because I’m liable to say something stupid, but nothing I could say would be worse than the Bears’ offensive performance in another crushing defeat to move the Bears to 2-3 on the season.  After Philly Brown’s ridiculous punt return for a touchdown, the Bears appeared to get things rolling.  The defense started to impose their will and the offense was capitalizing with touchdowns.  But after the Bears went up 21-7, the wheels started to fall off.

Robbie Gould missed a chip shot 35-yard field goal and the Panthers marched right down the field to score a touchdown late in the first half to close the margin to 21-14.  To open the second half, the Bears got the ball and did nothing with it.  The Panthers promptly scored on a short TD run after a pass interference penalty by Kyle Fuller on Kelvin Benjamin.  The Bears took the ball on the next drive and were able to eek out a Robbie Gould 45-yard FG on 8 plays to bring the Bears back ahead 24-21 with 2:42 left in the third quarter.  Then things got really ugly.

The Bears imploded offensively in grand fashion in the fourth quarter.  Their 4th quarter possessions ended with Punt, Punt, Interception, Fumble, Fumble. Ballgame.

It’s hard to pin this game on the defense. While they gave up 31 points, the last two Panthers scores were on short fields after Bears turnovers.  The Panthers also had that ridiculous punt return for a TD that doesn’t go against the defense.  This team was built around the offense and they’ve been MIA in the second half of the last two Bears games, both embarrassing losses.

There is a lot more to sort out, but it’s time to go blow off some steam before I say something I’ll regret.